Cheryl Smith

Cheryl Ann Smith, 73, of Long Creek, IL, passed away Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Springfield Memorial Hospital, Springfield, IL. She was born April 1, 1953, in Pana IL to the late Wayne L. & Dorothy (Langley) Ekiss. She married F.D. Smith and he preceded her.
Cheryl was passionate about helping others and had a lifelong love of horses and all of her farm animals. She was a loving aunt and cherished the time she spent with her nieces and nephews. She always enjoyed having family and friends stop by to visit. Cheryl had a warm and caring heart, was always a helper, and anyone that knew her loved her.
For 29 years, Cheryl devoted herself to the STARR Farm, creating meaningful therapeutic experiences for Macon County children with physical and mental disabilities and providing field trips for elementary school students.
Cheryl served her community in many ways. She served as a Trustee, Promotions/Senior Citizens Director, and President of the Village of Long Creek, as well as President of the Long Creek Cemetery Board.
Cheryl is survived by her twin brother, Gerald (Donna) Ekiss; her sisters, Sandra Norris and Pat (Terry) Olroyd; her nieces and nephews, Susanne Osmonson, Dana (Matthew) Huff, Mike (Heather) Norris, and Kelley Olroyd; and her great-nieces and great-nephews, Ava and Logan Osmonson, Dylan and Elaina Huff, Matt and Brad Tomazzoli, and Aaron Norris. Along with her parents and husband, Cheryl was also preceded in death by her nephew, Chris Olroyd.
Funeral services for Cheryl will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home. Burial will be at Mound Cemetery, Pana, IL. Visitation will be on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until time of the service at the funeral home.
McCracken-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family.